Can anyone chime in on this? Trying to raft up at the lake yesterday and some arsehole in a 35 ft comes by and creates waves that you couldnt imagine. We were fine tuning the tie up and the waves hit. Buddies boat came down on bow rail bent it up and pulled two of the arms right out of the fibergalss. Luckily that was the only damage. Fiberglass is easy to repair, but I dont know where to find a new rail for a 30 ft Oday. Doesnt need to be the same, just something sturdy. Lifeline also snapped, so I need to replace those as well (they were old anyway).

cb32863

04-29-2012 10:21 AM

Re: Replace bow rail

Give D & R Marine a call. They specialize in O'Days, they should be able to find you something or point you in the right direction.

Good luck.
:cool:

deniseO30

04-29-2012 11:03 AM

Re: Replace bow rail

keep us posted! the one on my boat has a bend down in it from when someone laid down the mast without support.

10. What are the regulations concerning wake effects, wake damage, and responsibility? Regarding one's wake, vessels over 1600 Gross Tons are specifically required by Title 33 CFR 164.11 to set the vessel's speed with consideration for...the damage that might be caused by the vessel's wake. Further, there may be State or local laws which specifically address "wake" for the waters in question.

While vessels under 1600 GT are not specifically required to manage their speed in regards to wake, they are still required to operate in a prudent matter which does not endanger life, limb, or property (46 USC 2302). Nor do the Navigation Rules exonerate any vessel from the consequences of neglect (Rule 2), which, among other things, could be unsafe speeds (Rule 6), improper lookout (Rule 5), or completely ignoring your responsibilities as prescribed by the Navigation Rules.

As to whether or not a particular vessel is responsible for the damage it creates is a question of law and fact that is best left to the Courts. For more information, contact your local Marine Patrol or State Boating Law Administrator.

-STATUTE-
(a) A person operating a vessel in a negligent manner or
interfering with the safe operation of a vessel, so as to endanger
the life, limb, or property of a person is liable to the United
States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 in
the case of a recreational vessel, or $25,000 in the case of any
other vessel.
(b) A person operating a vessel in a grossly negligent manner
that endangers the life, limb, or property of a person commits a
class A misdemeanor.
(c) An individual who is under the influence of alcohol, or a
dangerous drug in violation of a law of the United States when
operating a vessel, as determined under standards prescribed by the
Secretary by regulation -
(1) is liable to the United States Government for a civil
penalty of not more than $5,000; or
(2) commits a class A misdemeanor.

(d) For a penalty imposed under this section, the vessel also is
liable in rem unless the vessel is -
(1) owned by a State or a political subdivision of a State;
(2) operated principally for governmental purposes; and
(3) identified clearly as a vessel of that State or
subdivision.